The Business Day in Global Warming (SWY, BRK-A,TM, SPWR)

Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY) has announced a new environmental project to power 23 California stores with renewable solar energy. The company installed solar panels atop a newly renovated Safeway Lifestyle store in Dublin, California and plans to extend the program to nearly two dozen stores.  Congressman Jerry McNerney joined on a tour of the store’s rooftop solar panel array. The unit is currently generating electricity to power the 55,000-square-foot retail facility. 

NetJets, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A), unveiled details of a multifaceted initiative to address the environmental impact of the company’s flights and other operations and strengthen its response to climate change and other environmental challenges.  The company retained the services of Esty Environmental Partners, a leader in corporate environmental strategy.

Chicago Tribune reported that The City of Chicago has signed an $8.7 million contract to buy up to 300 hybrid vehicles made by Toyota (NYSE:TM): 100 Prius sedans, 100 Camry models and 100 Highlander SUVs from Northside Toyota in the next three years.

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a Silicon Valley-based solar manufacturer, today announced a new partnership with GRID Alternatives, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organization, to bring the power of solar energy to low-income families in need.

This is from earlier in the week, but worth a read.  The Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan today announced that many companies who voluntarily participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s program to report reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tend to have increased emissions but report reductions.

With oil hitting $80 a barrel, alternative energy is going to stay front and center regardless of any political issues around the topic.

Jon C. Ogg
September 13, 2007

As a reminder, whether you prefer the term "Global Warming" or "Climate Change" is not the issue as far as 24/7 Wall St. covers it.  Green business has become big business, and this affects many public companies today.